document.write( "Question 551155: State the poles of the following rational function\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "h(x) = x-1 divided by x squared + x-6 \n" ); document.write( "
Algebra.Com's Answer #359466 by nyc_function(2741)\"\" \"About 
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A pole is any value of x that makes the denominator equal to zero.\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "The term \"pole\" comes from complex analysis, where, if you do magnitude plots of complex-valued functions, at places where the denominator is zero the graphed surface really does look like a tent pole beneath fabric.\r
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\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "Set denominator to = 0.\r
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\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "x - 6 = 0\r
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\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "x = 6\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "To avoid division by zero, x CANNOT = 6. When x = 6 in your function, division by zero is created which is undefined.\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "In fact, the correct answer is x > 6. The value of x must be GREATER than 6 to avoid division by zero.\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "So, x = 6 is your pole.\r
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